Passport Guide Benton City WA: Facilities, Forms, Processing Times

Getting a Passport in Benton City, WA

Benton City residents, nestled in Washington’s wine country, frequently need passports for international wine tours, trade shows in Europe, or quick trips across the Canadian border—especially with the Tri-Cities Airport (PSC) just 20 minutes away for easy flights. Demand surges during wine harvest season (September–October), events like the Benton City Blues & Wine Festival, or summer peaks for river rafting abroad and winter skiing in British Columbia. WSU Tri-Cities and Columbia Basin College students often scramble for study-abroad programs, while families hit backlogs over school breaks. Plan 6–8 weeks ahead for routine service (4–6 weeks processing + mailing) or expedited (2–3 weeks + $60 fee), as local facilities near Prosser and Kennewick fill fast.

Common mistakes to avoid:

• Ignoring state.gov processing times—delays double in March–June (spring breaks) and November–December (holidays).
• Photo pitfalls: 2x2-inch color on white/cream background, taken <6 months ago; no selfies, hats (unless religious), glasses glare, or smiling—retakes cost $15+ and delay you.
• Incomplete docs: First-timers need original birth certificates; renewals require old passport—photocopies rejected.
• Minors under 16: Both parents/guardians must appear or provide notarized DS-3053—no shortcuts.
• Overestimating speed: Expedited cuts processing but totals 2–3 weeks; life-or-death needs State Department proof for next-day.

Quick decision guide: Need it <14 days? Jump to urgent options. Routine first-time? DS-11 in person. Eligible renewal (issued <15 years ago, undamaged, age 16+)? Mail DS-82. Use travel.state.gov checklist first.

Which Passport Service Do You Need?

Benton City follows standard U.S. rules—most require in-person at nearby acceptance facilities (post offices, county offices in Tri-Cities area).

Decision tree:

• First-time, lost/stolen/damaged, child <16, or major name change: DS-11 in person.
• Renewal (valid, <15 years old, undamaged, issued at 16+): DS-82 by mail (or in person).
• Urgent (<2 weeks): Expedite (+$60) at facilities; agency for proof-backed travel.
• Life-or-death (<3 days): Call National Passport Information Center (NPIC: 1-877-487-2778).

Download forms at pptform.state.gov. Fee

s: $130+ adult book (check/money order). Verify to dodge resubmits—e.g., damaged passports often force DS-11 despite age.

First-Time, Lost/Stolen/Damaged, or Child Passport (DS-11)

In-person only—no mail. Expect 10–13 weeks routine (7–9 expedited). At facilities, agent verifies ID, witnesses signature, seals app.

Steps:

1. Complete (don't sign) DS-11 from travel.state.gov.
2. Book nearby facility via USPS locator or state.gov.
3. Bring originals: Citizenship proof (birth cert from WA DOH), photo ID (matching names), 2x2 photos, fees.
4. Agent processes on-site (10–20 min).

Local tip: Tri-Cities spots handle wine-country rush; call for photo services to avoid retakes.

Checklist:

Renewal or Name Change (DS-82/DS-5504)

Renewal: Issued <15 years ago, age 16+, undamaged? Mail DS-82 (4–6 weeks). Include old passport, new photo, ID copy, $130 fee to National Passport Processing Center, PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155.

Name change (<1 year): DS-5504 + docs (free, mail).

Checklist:

Passport Photos: Avoid 25% of Rejections

2x2", color, <6 months old, 1–1⅜" head height, neutral face, white/cream background, no uniforms/glasses specs. Local Tri-Cities CVS/Walgreens/USPS: $15, compliant prints. Test lighting—WA indoor glare common.

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Benton City

No in-city si

te—use Tri-Cities/Benton County options (10–30 min drive). Expect review, oath, sealing (not issuance). Book ahead; peaks midweek mornings. Use state.gov locator for ZIP 99320, USPS, or Benton County Auditor.

Examples:

• Kennewick Post Office (3421 W 19th Ave, Kennewick, WA 99338)
• Prosser Post Office (2708 Wine Country Rd, Prosser, WA 99350)
• Benton County Auditor's Office (7122 W Okanogan Pl, Kennewick, WA 99336)
• Richland Post Office (1067 George Washington Way, Richland, WA 99352)

What to expect: 15–30 min; bring extras (photos/docs). Walk-ins limited; wine festival season books 4–6 weeks out. Track at passportstatus.state.gov.

Processing Times and Expediting

Routine: 6–8 weeks. Expedited: 2–3 weeks (+$60). Add mailing; peaks add 2–4 weeks times. Urgent: Seattle Agency (1-877-487-2778, itinerary proof). Fees: $130 adult/$100 child + $35 execution fees.

Special Cases: Minors and Emergencies

Minors <16: DS-11 + both parents/DS-3053 notarized (banks/UPS). Order birth cert early from Benton County/DOH—harvest season backlogs.

Emergencies: NPIC for slots urgent.

Common Challenges and Local Tips

• Demand spikes: Wine events, airport flights—check daily for slots.
• Birth certs: $20–25, 1–2 weeks; local auditor faster for Benton County births.
• Myths: No same-day local; mail DS-82 if eligible to bypass lines.
• Prep hack: Gather docs 3 months early; compare Tri-Cities vs. Seattle for urgency.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Same-day in Benton City? No—Seattle for qualifiers.

DS-11 vs. DS-82? DS-11 for new/in-person; DS-82 mail for eligible renewals.

Kennewick USPS appointment? Yes, via usps.com.

16-year-old passport? DS-11 in person.

Child passport notary? Banks/UPS, [sos.wa.gov](h

ttps://www.sos.wa.gov).

Travel in 3 weeks? Expedite + call NPIC—no guarantees.

Sources

• 1. U.S. Dept of State - How to Apply
• 2. Renew Adult Passport
• 3. Forms
• 4. WA DOH Birth Records
• 5. Children Under 16
• 6. Photo Requirements
• 7. USPS Passport Locations
• 8. Benton County Auditor
• 9. Urgent Travel
• 10. Check Status
• 11. Processing Times
• 12. Fees